Free Desire Me Always by Tiffany Clare

Burley’s and did not comment further.
    Even though they were fairly close to London, the air was cleaner here, almost as if she were back at her countryside home in Berwick, minus the familiar tang of salt in the air that was present at her old home.
    â€œThe country suits you well,” Lady Burley said. “You seem more at home here than you did at the dinner party at the Langtry.”
    â€œI could say the same for you. There’s a certain freedom about the countryside and being away from the filth and bustle of a city that seems to never sleep.”
    â€œYou are right. The slower pace is a good change,” Lady Burley said with an amused expression.
    â€œI will never forget the air of the Highlands. The freshness to it, the lick of the ocean playing at your taste buds. And the countryside . . . it’s breathtaking when it’s in full bloom of the warmest season,” Amelia said. Lady Burley was, after all, lady of the manor from the far reaches of Scotland. She would understand why Amelia loved being away from the crowded city.
    â€œI miss Scotland even now,” she said. “But Landon insists on splitting our time with London; otherwise, business might lag.”
    There was a wistful longing in Lady Burley’s tone.
    â€œWhen did you marry? You seem as though you have known Lord Burley all your life.”
    â€œGoodness, we nearly have,” Lady Burley mused. “We are coming up to three years.”
    â€œBut you knew Lord Burley prior to your marriage?”
    Lady Burley smiled. “We did.”
    â€œDoes that make marriage easier?”
    She wished someone could tell her whether or not things were supposed to change between her and Nick now that she was Mrs. Riley and not just his secretary, Miss Grant.
    â€œMy situation is hardly a good comparison to yours.” Lady Burley’s voice turned firm and serious. “I grew up in a neighboring estate to the Prices. In fact, my brothers and Landon were constant companions.”
    Lady Burley looked back at the manservant who was twenty paces behind them before she tied her reins around the saddle’s pommel and slid off the horse as elegantly as Amelia had ever seen a lady do.
    Amelia followed suit. Knowing she did not have the grace of Lady Burley, Amelia tossed her reins over the horse’s mane and hopped down to the ground. Thank goodness she had chosen a horse that was no more than fourteen hands high, or her dismount would have not only been inelegant, but more painful, she was sure. She caught her balance easily and took the horse’s reins in her hand so they could walk together.
    â€œMay I ask you something, Lady Burley?” Amelia was walking next to her newest friend.
    â€œAnything,” she said, her smile radiant as she stared back at Amelia. “Though I have to insist on your addressing me by my Christian name.”
    â€œI had forgotten.”
    â€œForgiven, of course. I daresay you have good reason to have forgotten,” Lady Burley teased.
    Amelia blushed. Surely Lady Burley referred to Nick monopolizing the better portion of Amelia’s time since yesterday in the only sense that newlyweds tended to acquaint themselves.
    Lady Burley bumped into Amelia’s shoulder. “I see you are still a blushing bride. I promise not to tell a soul how easy it is to make you flush.”
    â€œI had no idea such a thing would be so obvious.”
    â€œOf course it is. You would be ripe for nettling, should anyone find out, so your secret is safe with me.” Meredith nudged her shoulder again and pulled away.
    They stopped in the middle of a meadow with trees surrounding them on three sides. The manservant dismounted as Meredith walked over to her saddlebags and started pulling out the items for their afternoon picnic. Amelia fetched the blanket that was rolled up on the rump of her horse and found a spot to set it in the clearing.
    The manservant assisted in fetching